Caught in a dramatic incident, Pakistan’s fast bowler Muhammad Shahzad, gave a cold send-off to Indian batters Robin Uthappa and Stuart Binny, adding more fuel to the already heated clash between neighbouring nations.
Muhammad Shahzad’s finger-to-lips celebration sparks tension
Pakistan Sixes captain Abbas Afridi won the toss and opted to bowl first in the high-voltage encounter. Opening for India Sixes, Robin Uthappa and Bharat Chipli gave their side a flying start, racing to 42 in just 2.2 overs. While Chipli took some time to settle, Uthappa’s aggressive stroke play kept India’s run rate soaring.
However, Muhammad Shahzad turned the tide for Pakistan by dismissing Uthappa at a crucial moment, claiming the prized wicket with a sharp delivery. He later removed Stuart Binny, who managed just four runs. After each dismissal, Shahzad celebrated with a cold, finger-to-lips gesture — a clear statement that reignited the fierce cricketing rivalry between the two nations.
The political tension between India and Pakistan has strained their cricketing relations in recent times. Indian players reportedly avoided handshakes with Pakistani counterparts during the Asia Cup and Women’s World Cup, while PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi drew headlines by walking away with the trophy, adding more drama off the field.
Given this backdrop, emotions were always expected to run high, and Shahzad’s send-offs were the first flashpoint in what promises to be another heated chapter in India-Pakistan cricketing history.
In the match, India Sixes posted 86 for four in six overs. Uthappa top-scored with 28 off 11 balls, while Bharat Chipli and Dinesh Karthik chipped in with 24 and 17 runs, respectively.
